It was good attendance this week with 17 Rotarians present and we welcomed guests, Sue Foley and Dennis Tarrant (from Rotary Club of Port Phillip) and Mandy Costello.
Apologies this week were from: Lynne Cooper, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ben Hill, GP, Barbara Leane, Rita O’Brien, Ron Payne, Kylie Rowbottom, Karen Armstrong and Jenny Sanderson.
Reports from the meeting
Youth: Tim Watts reported that Sarah will be visiting on 1st & 2nd September, to help launch her children’s book - Marvellous Miles - at local schools in Bendigo. Finer details are being organised. Help may be needed to deliver copies of the books to schools, Kinders and Child Care Centres across Bendigo, early September. More info to follow.
Visitor: Sue Foley (a member of the Irish Band Bhan Tre) reported on the upcoming 2025 Winter Irish and Celtic Festival – Saturday August 2nd @ 11am till late, at the Brougham Arms Hotel. Our Club is sponsoring an Irish Bodhran Drum Workshop at 4 pm in the afternoon. All workshops are free. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. Hope to see you all there.
Fundraising: Thank you to Geoff G, Lindsay, Tim, Mary, Laurie and Geoff A for volunteering to operate the BBQ outside Kings 4WD Superstore at the Homemaker Centre (Kangaroo Flat) this Saturday.
6th September – Our annual Bonfire at Gary Frank’s house – save the date!
Guest Speaker: Person Behind the Badge
Our esteemed President – Geoff Gallagher was interviewed by our very own “Parky” - John Pearce.
John’s questions provided lots of insights into Geoffrey’s past, in particular growing up with 8 siblings and living and attending school in Bendigo. Life was hectic, surviving as the third youngest of 7 boys - with plenty of old school discipline in his primary years - especially for fighting on his own front lawn after school.
Upon leaving school, Geoff operated his own Butcher shop and catering business, worked in telecommunications, and has a passion for all things electronic. Some would say his camping light set up can be seen from outer space.
Geoff met Marg (she saved him from being left on the shelf) and he followed her overseas to propose. They got married at Marg’s family farm and have since lived in Eaglehawk and raised 4 children. They presently have 6 grandchildren.
Thanks Geoff and John for a great interview and giving us all lots of entertainment and a better understanding of the man behind the badge.
Mick Costello
Co President
